Uppity Wisconsin

Friday, Dec. 21, marks Iraq Moratorium #4, observed on the Third Friday of every month, when people are asked to take some action, individually or collectively, to call for an end to the war.

Falling four days before Christmas and one day before the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year, the December event poses some challenges for organizers, especially in Wisconsin where it's cold as well as dark.

But the list has not gotten any shorter this month in Wisconsin.  In fact, it's grown. Nationally, many actions have a holiday tone, with antiwar caroling, Santa hats as well as black armbands, mall walks and other outreach to holiday shoppers.

To see what's going on around the country, take the pledge, or donate, visit www.iraqMoratatorium.org 

Wisconsin events:

Whitewater,,5 p.m., Bells for Peace. The Rock River Peace Group presents, "Bells for Peace-Whitewater." We will be holding our December Moratorium on the war with luminaries and bells. The public is invited to come and help ring in our wish for peace on earth. Downtown, Southwest corner of Whitewater Ave. and Main Street.

Ft. Atkinson, 5 p.m., Bells for Peace. The Rock River Peace Group presents, "Bells for Peace-Fort Atkinson" at the Main Street Bridge, downtown. We will be observe the December Moratorium on the war with luminaries and bells. The public is invited to come and help ring in our wish for Peace on Earth. On the Downtown Bridge, Main St.

Madison , 10:30 a.m., Moratorium Action – Meet at Barnes and Nobles Bookstore near West Towne Mall. Contact Joy First for more information jsfirsttds [dot] net (jsfirsttds [dot] net) .

Woodruff 12 noon – 1 pm, Special Moratorium Prayer Vigil for Peace, Holy Family Church, Hwy J. Sponsored by Pax Christi Northwoods. This is an hour of silent prayer for peace held weekly in a small chapel at the church. Contact: crossingsholycrosssisters [dot] org (crossingsholycrosssisters [dot] org)

Hayward , Iraq Moratorium Vigil for Peace.  Please dress according to the weather and bring signs, candles and a black armband if you have them. We are trying to arrange for a warming vehicle, (pop-up van), and will have coffee and hot chocolate available! Bring a friend!! See www.peacenorth.org for more.

Manitowoc , 4 - 5 pm,  Special Peace Vigil for the Moratorium.  Corner of Hwy's 27 and 63. Sponsored by the Lakeshore Peacemakers.  Contact: Linda at huntelcomcast [dot] net (huntelcomcast [dot] net)

Milwaukee, 4:30 – 5:30 pm,  IRAQ MORATORIUM  Vigil -– At Water and Wisconsin. What to do wherever you are! Wear a black armband, don’t buy gas, wear an antiwar button to work or school, call your congresspeople 202-224-3121. For more, contact infopeaceactionwi [dot] org (infopeaceactionwi [dot] org)

Wausau , 1-6 p.m. Silent Vigil for Peace.  Downtown, 400 block.  It is either a standing or walking vigil in silent commemoration of the Afghans, Iraqis, Americans, British, Spanish and others who have died, been injured or have otherwise suffered through the loss or injury of a loved one or loss of livelihood or home, in these current Gulf area wars. Everyone is welcome to come and join in for as much time as they are able, even if for only five or ten minutes.

Stevens Point , 3:30 pm, Weekly Demonstration -. Downtown, by the Shopko parking lot. Contact: Concerned Citizens of Stevens Point , stevebarteltgmail [dot] com (stevebarteltgmail [dot] com) .

Oshkosh , Fri 4:30 pm, Weekly Peace Vigil, Downtown Peace Park. Sponsored by the Winnebago Peace and Justice Center.  Contact: Bob Poeschl at carpepaxriseup [dot] net (carpepaxriseup [dot] net).

Viroqua, 12 noon, Weekly Peace Vigil - At the Post Office on Jefferson St.  Come for all or part of the hour, standing witness to the human and economic costs of the War. Info amzmwt [dot] net (amzmwt [dot] net) .

The last three don’t officially call themselves Moratorium events, but are taking place on the third Friday and no doubt would welcome anyone who wants to participate.